Topic: Equity Compensation Planning: From Start-up to Liquidity

Program Descriptions:Session 1 - Decision-Maker’s Guide to Equity CompensationAlison Wright, Partner, Hanson BridgettThis session will review the different types of equity compensation awards and will discuss when to use what type of award and why. We will also discuss issues related to capitalization tables and 409A valuations.

Session 2 - Don't Die of Dysentary! Navigating the Stock Option Trail from Grant to ExitLandon Loveall, CFP®, KB AdvisorsSince 1849, people from all over have sought wealth in San Francisco. Now, instead of gold, they search for unicorns and end up with stock options. Together, we will explore how to plan around stock options with uncertain, future exit opportunities and look at examples of how you can gain liquidity before an IPO or acquisition. Our discussion will cover in-depth the tradeoffs and risk/return calculations of pre-IPO liquidity.

Session 3 - Planning for Liquidity: Thinking Beyond the IPOMeredith Johnson, CPA/CFP®, Tax Director, BPMStart-up companies may experience a variety of liquidity opportunities, from share buybacks to IPOs. Using case studies, we’ll discuss some of the most common transactions that occur, and how your client can plan for different scenarios.

Speakers' Bios:Alison Wright, Partner, Hanson Bridgett

Alison Wright is the Chair of the Employee Benefits Group at Hanson Bridgett LLP and works primarily in their San Francisco office. Alison specializes in employee benefits and executive compensation and has been working in this area exclusively for more than 20 years. Alison was named one of the Top Women Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal in 2018.

Landon Loveall, CFP®, KB Advisors

Landon Loveall is a certified financial planner and partner with KB Financial Advisors, a fee-only firm focused on busy professionals. Since 2014, Landon has worked with tech employees, who are trying to maximize their stock options. He regularly writes on the KB Financial Advisors blog about the unique scenarios presented by employee stock options. When not working with clients in California, you can find Landon, his wife Melissa, and their three children kayaking down the Duck River near their hometown of Columbia, TN.

Meredith Johnson, CPA/CFP®, Tax Director, BPM

Meredith has deep experience in not only accounting, but financial planning and analysis, project management and business development. She works with clients based on a holistic approach to taxation, in the areas of estate planning, equity-based compensation, and business succession particularly. Meredith excels in coordinating the needs of diverse stakeholders, managing multi-stage projects and synthesizingcomplex data. Her specialties include Financial Planning, Tax Planning and Compliance, Project Management, Business Strategy, Financial Modeling and Analysis, Employee Training and Development and Public Policy Analysis and Advocacy.